Buying Advice First Tractor Recommendation for 40 Acres in NC

[Mat4644]

When I have a DIY task one of my tractors can't handle and is something seldom done I just rent the equipment. More cost effective.

I bought too big and heavy first time around and since moved on to a lighter and more nimble model for daily tasks. Still heavy enough and HP to do the jobs.

 

[ericm979]

Many tractor's specs add up the steering hydraulic flow and the system flow. But on most modern tractors those are separate systems with separate pumps. You can't actually use them together for an implement. The Deere 5045D's flow that you can use with an implement is 10.9gpm. The rest is for the steering system.

You'll need to go to a fairly large, more farming oriented CUT to get 12 gpm.

The post pounder may work with less than 12 gpm, just slower.

 

[Silly Filly]

The JD 5045E 4WD open cab we're looking at is 5,400 LB. Should we be considering something bigger? An alternative would be to lease something now, and then after getting a feel for what we're really doing we can buy something more appropriate.

Our first year will be spent putting up fencing and mowing while we wait for the barn and auxiliary buildings to get put up. Year two and on we expect our tractor use to be more like the following:
Weekly use - loader work for moving manure from pile near barn to compost area and turning compost. Maybe moving large bales, but typically we buy small square bales.
Monthly - Spreading cured compost and mowing rested pastures. Unloading pallet deliveries maybe? Usually the grain guys unload right into the barn.
Bi-annual - Spraying, fertilizing.
Annual - Gravel road maintenance and digging ditches to control water runoff.
I can't think of anything else. Lots of things we do right now at the current barn are done either on our own two feet or with a farm truck.

Other equipment we plant to get are an ATV or Gator to assist with chores and a zero turn for weekly mowing.

Based on that usage I think the 5045 is at the upper end of what we'd need out of a tractor, and we're considering it just because we're using the post pounder. I was thinking of buying new so I wouldn't have to deal with potential downtime of a used tractor, but leasing might be a good option for me starting off and be cheaper than buying a tractor and trading it in or selling it for something smaller and with a cab. At that point I'll have more free time to deal with fixing anything up as well. I'm not a mechanic, but I work on my own car. Working on hydraulics and diesel engines would be new to me.

 

[Silly Filly]

When I have a DIY task one of my tractors can't handle and is something seldom done I just rent the equipment. More cost effective.

I bought too big and heavy first time around and since moved on to a lighter and more nimble model for daily tasks. Still heavy enough and HP to do the jobs.

This is a good point. For one-off or infrequent use it might be better to rent or contract out.
Putting up our fence would cost $120k and still a lot if we only wanted the posts put in :thumbdown:

 

[Silly Filly]

Many tractor's specs add up the steering hydraulic flow and the system flow. But on most modern tractors those are separate systems with separate pumps. You can't actually use them together for an implement. The Deere 5045D's flow that you can use with an implement is 10.9gpm. The rest is for the steering system.

You'll need to go to a fairly large, more farming oriented CUT to get 12 gpm.

The post pounder may work with less than 12 gpm, just slower.

Thanks for pointing that out. The dealer said "blah blah blah "17 gpm, she's got plenty, lets step into my office blah blah blah."
I read elsewhere of folks using an old tractor with 9 gpm flow at the rear with their Shaver HD-10 and still having acceptable results, so 10.9 gpm should be good.

 

[mred2]

This is part of my 3 rail fence.

I like it. At one time I had about 18 horses. Down to 10. I found that they like it a lot better if they don't stay in the barn. Check the cost, but here my rolls of hay contain about 18 square bales. I do lose some in feeding. All is stored under cover. We still have to stack, unstack, and feed.

 

[RickB]

Do not get hung up on Shavers hyd requirement number. All you are doing is extending a 1.5 inch or so diameter cylinder. Flow equals speed. 8 or 10 gpm will wear you out if you drive posts for more than a few hours.
Most respondents are sitting at a keyboard or holding a phone reading specs and would not know an HD10 from a sledgehammer. I have used both.

Hardly anyone is going to use a post driver at wide open throttle and that is where the hydraulic flow specs are measured. Weight and loader capability should be your top priorities.

 

[airbiscuit]

I'd use the auger, hire a couple of football players, and save my tractor from all that pounding.

Part of not doing that is to use the money we壇 spend on the labor for things we can稚 do ourselves like drill a well or build a barn.

The money you don't spend on the Shaver HD-10 will pay for the football players, and you will have lots left over for beverages.

 

[jeff9366]

The JD 5045E 4WD open cab we're looking at is 5,400 LB. Should we be considering something bigger?

John Deere 5045E

2008 - 2017 5E Series
Model years
Utility tractor
Series next: John Deere 5055E

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Variants:
5045D: 2WD Economy
5045E: 4WD Mid-spec

John Deere 5045E Engine:
John Deere 2.9L 3-cyl diesel
John Deere 5045E Power:
Engine (gross): 45 hp [33.6 kW]
PTO (claimed): 37 hp [27.6 kW]


Capacity:
Fuel: 18 gal [68.1 L]
Hydraulic system: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]
Front axle: 4.8 qts [4.5 L]
Front hubs: 0.85 qts [0.8 L] (each)

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: 2
Control: position and top-link draft control
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 3,192 lbs [1447 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Clutch: mechanical
Rear RPM: 540

Dimensions
Weight (shipping): 5,070 lbs [2299 kg]
Wheelbase: 80.7 inches [204 cm]
Length: 137.8 inches [350 cm]
Width: 57.3 inches [145 cm] (axle flange)
Height (hood): 53.8 inches [136 cm]
Height (ROPS): 93.9 inches [238 cm]
75.7 inches [192 cm] (folded)
Clearance (front axle): 13.4 inches [34 cm]
Front axle: Flange

John Deere 5045E attachments:
front-end loader
Loader:
Loader type: John Deere 553
Height (to pin): 122 inches [309 cm]
Clearance, dumped bucket: 94 inches [238 cm]
Dump reach: 35 inches [88 cm]
Dump angle: 41
Reach at ground: 74 inches [187 cm]
Rollback at ground: 33
Breakout force (at pin): 5,378 lbs [2439 kg]
Breakout force (at 800mm): 3,604 lbs [1634 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 3,133 lbs [1421 kg]
Lift to full height (at 800mm): 1,956 lbs [887 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at pin): 4,008 lbs [1818 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at 800mm): 2,891 lbs [1311 kg]
Bucket width: 72 inches [182 cm]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Final drives: planetary
Differential lock: rear diff lock standard
Steering: hydrostatic power
Brakes: hydraulic wet disc
Cab: Folding 2-post ROPS

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]
Pressure: 2828 psi [195.0 bar]
Rear valves: 1 or 2
Mid valves: 2
Pump flow: 11.4 gpm [43.1 lpm]
Total flow: 18.2 gpm [68.9 lpm]
Steering flow: 6.8 gpm [25.7 lpm]
Steering press.: 1958 psi [135.0 bar]

Electrical:
Ground: negative
Charging system: alternator
Charging amps: 40

Page information:
Last update: October 24, 2015
Copyright: Copyright 2016 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com


VIDEO: YouTube

Looks like a good choice to me.

 

[jeff9366]

The JD 5045E 4WD open cab we're looking at is 5,400 LB. Should we be considering something bigger?

John Deere 5045E

2008 - 2017 5E Series
Model years
Utility tractor
Series next: John Deere 5055E

Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Variants:
5045D: 2WD Economy
5045E: 4WD Mid-spec

John Deere 5045E Engine:
John Deere 2.9L 3-cyl diesel
John Deere 5045E Power:
Engine (gross): 45 hp [33.6 kW]
PTO (claimed): 37 hp [27.6 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 18 gal [68.1 L]
Hydraulic system: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]
Front axle: 4.8 qts [4.5 L]
Front hubs: 0.85 qts [0.8 L] (each)

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: 2
Control: position and top-link draft control
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 3,192 lbs [1447 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Clutch: mechanical
Rear RPM: 540

Dimensions
Weight (shipping): 5,070 lbs [2299 kg]
Wheelbase: 80.7 inches [204 cm]
Length: 137.8 inches [350 cm]
Width: 57.3 inches [145 cm] (axle flange)
Height (hood): 53.8 inches [136 cm]
Height (ROPS): 93.9 inches [238 cm]
75.7 inches [192 cm] (folded)
Clearance (front axle): 13.4 inches [34 cm]
Front axle: Flange

John Deere 5045E attachments:
front-end loader
Loader type: John Deere 553
Height (to pin): 122 inches [309 cm]
Clearance, dumped bucket: 94 inches [238 cm]
Dump reach: 35 inches [88 cm]
Dump angle: 41
Reach at ground: 74 inches [187 cm]
Rollback at ground: 33
Breakout force (at pin): 5,378 lbs [2439 kg]
Breakout force (at 800mm): 3,604 lbs [1634 kg]
Lift to full height (at pin): 3,133 lbs [1421 kg]
Lift to full height (at 800mm): 1,956 lbs [887 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at pin): 4,008 lbs [1818 kg]
Lift to 1.5m (at 800mm): 2,891 lbs [1311 kg]
Bucket width: 72 inches [182 cm]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Final drives: planetary
Differential lock: rear diff lock standard
Steering: hydrostatic power
Brakes: hydraulic wet disc
Cab: Folding 2-post ROPS

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]
Pressure: 2828 psi [195.0 bar]
Rear valves: 1 or 2
Mid valves: 2
Pump flow: 11.4 gpm [43.1 lpm]
Total flow: 18.2 gpm [68.9 lpm]
Steering flow: 6.8 gpm [25.7 lpm]
Steering press.: 1958 psi [135.0 bar]

Electrical:
Ground: negative
Charging system: alternator
Charging amps: 40

Page information:
Last update: October 24, 2015
Copyright: Copyright 2016 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com


5045E VIDEOS: YouTube

Appears a good choice to me. Checks all your boxes. Will move 1,200+ pound large round hay bales safely.

With 45-horsepower gross you can operate a 72" Rotary Cutter in dry grass up to 30" long at full 72" swathe width.

 

[jeff9366]

On a Category 2 TPH you can also use Category 1 implements by shimming the Category 1 pins to a fatter diameter. So you have options: Category 1 implements or heavier, wider Category 2 implements.

Everything Attachments is an excellent implement manufacturer and vender located in North Carolina. I buy from many implement venders but I have more implements from Everything Attachments than anyone else. Their videos are very informative.

LINK: Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media...aa214276e14dacb/pub2917tractorimplements1.pdf


You may or may not want to have rear tires 1/2 or 3/4 filled with liquid. I am in the minority that inflates my tires with air because I am hypersensitive about compacting the ground. Horses hooves, however, compact the ground harder over time than any tractor will, so you may (or may not) wish to "load" rear tires for ballast and traction. I am only 75% in agreement with two following links:

LOADING REAR TIRES: OrangeTractorTalks >> Comparing Types of Liquid Tire Ballast
OrangeTractorTalks >> 6 Reasons to Liquid Ballast your Kubota’s Tires

For its weight your tractor has modest horsepower, about the same ratio of pounds per horsepower as mine. With modest horsepower there is less concern about breaking traction than with more horsepower. (Tractor weight is more important than tractor horsepower.)

Regardless of whether you "load" rear tires or not, you will need a heavy counterbalance implement on the TPH in order to effect max lifts with the Loader. Without enough counterbalance a very heavy Loader lift will make tractor pivot on the front wheels, lifting the rear wheels off the ground. This is just too exciting; you never want to experience it.

 

[Cruiserdog]

I’m going to go with the smaller option. Why not get a heavy, 35-40 hp tractor and use a post hole digger rather than a “pounder”? It will be less expensive, more maneauverable and will do what you need done. Seems that everybody pushes toward 50-60 hp tractors for smaller places, forgetting that for decades the old Ford 8N was”the” tractor used for almost everything and it was what, 26 hp or so and 2wd. It was pretty heavy, and that’s what did the work. Lower hp and more weight will bear more hp and less weight pretty well every time in overall usefulness. YMMV

 

[Jchonline]

YOu arent going to get the pump rated flow at the 3rd function valves.

On Deere website it lists flow at a rear Scv as 11.5 gpm. 5E Series (45-75 hp) Utility Tractors | 545E | John Deere US

To make it function well, I would go for a machine with the flow rating in the center of the range. So if tool is 10-20, look for 15.

The M7060 doesnt have 16 gpm out the front valve. My dad has one. It is somewhere around 10.

In a nutshell, you probably should not try and go for a hydraulic unit on a tractor. You either need too large of a machine, or a hydraulic pack.

That said the machine you have chosen will not get to 12 gpm.

 

[RickB]

I read elsewhere of folks using an old tractor with 9 gpm flow at the rear with their Shaver HD-10 and still having acceptable results, so 10.9 gpm should be good.

Do not lose sight of that fact.^^^
Focus on your loader lift capacity needs and having a tractor properly ballasted to optimize the loader capacity. Anything you are likely to buy will have the capability to take care of your mowing chores.

 

[two_bit_score]

:welcome:

 

[ipegasus]

I realize that NC is a temperate climate compared to the Midwest. Here is why I really appreciate a tractor with a cab, heat and air.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Naive suggestions, I have no experience with post hole pounders and I'm a rookie tractor owner.

1. When buying chippers, you can get them such that they have their own dedicated hydraulics, yet still derive all their power from the tractor PTO. Are there post hole pounders with similar independent hydraulic setups? It just seems that requiring the hydraulics from the tractor may be working against the grain. I've been considering a Woodmaxx 8H or something like that, comes with its own hydraulics. Also saves me thousands of dollars in costs adding rear hydraulic hookups to the tractor.

2. My Kubota MX5400 is a "type 1 & 2" 3PH. So it can take cat 2 implements and uses adapters for smaller things, maybe a similar tractor would work for you? As in, perhaps it is minimally enough ... sturdier ... for post hole pounding, without going overboard on cost. Bare tractor weight is 3734 pounds, but with loaded rears and attachments you're wheeling around something approaching 4 tons.

 

[jeff9366]

Horses hooves compact ground harder over time than any tractor will, so you may (or may not) wish to "load" rear tires for ballast and traction.

To keep your pasture productive you will have to loosen the ground occasionally. May be once every six months, once per year or every third year but occasionally. There are numerous forms of Renovators sold for this purpose. Many use Chisel Plows. Both break the surface, allowing air, water and fertilizer to enter while preserving the grass.

The following implement terms are imprecise: Chisel Plow, Field Cultivator, Renovator, Ripper.

MILLER HAY KING RENOVATOR: Hay King Renovators - Hay King - Miller

BUCKEYE TRACTOR - COMPACT TRACTOR CHISEL PLOWS: Buckeye Tractor Online Catalog Page 18-01 Chisel Plows



A coil-spring protected Field Cultivator is not sufficiently robust for loosening hoof compacted pasture but following thread will give you insight:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/339095-dirt-dog-all-purpose-plow.html?highlight=

 

[airbiscuit]

This is also interesting.

 

[Silly Filly]

Thanks again for all the input and I hope everyone had a great 4th weekend (or first, eh)!

Sounds like some folks are saying a 5,000 LB, 45HP tractor is too small, or too big, or just right, so it seems like I’m roughly in the right tractor size ballpark. The heaviest loader use will be for moving dirt and gravel (and maybe large hay bales) occasionally (basically maxing out the 520M loader I’m looking at). Weekly chores will be moving manure, probably a ½ yard at a time with a 6’ bucket. I think I can get away with using the bush hog as a counter weight for heavier stuff. I'm sure there's more we can do with the tractor, but a wheelbarrow and bedding fork have worked fine for us the past several years and I don't want to spoil myself too quickly!

It’s a little early for soil samples, but I’m going to take some from the tobacco field anyway. They’re about a month away from harvesting, then depending on our timeline, we may let the farmer plant one more round of tobacco before we convert it to pasture this fall. I’ll take some samples of the prairie too since I’ll likely overseed that this fall as well. Total workable acres will be 30 acres.

So I was a little off on my fence requirements y’all... Apparently we will be fencing up 2.1 miles (11,440 ft) for pastures first and then remaining 1.3 miles (6,800 ft) of less essential fencing will be done later. That’s what our $120k quote was for. With that much fencing I will be avoiding using an auger as much as I can.

Hoof compaction is a good point and something I overlooked. I was thinking about aerating the pastures somehow, but never thought to use a chisel plow or even a subsoiler.